Priyanka Chopra Jonas is adding a distinctly desi twist to Christmas this year. The global star has reimagined Wham!’s all-time holiday classic “Last Christmas” with an Indian flavor for Gurinder Chadha’s new festive film, Christmas Karma. The movie hits theaters in the U.S. on November 14, alongside the release of its original motion picture soundtrack.
Directed by Chadha, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Bend It Like Beckham and Blinded By The Light, Christmas Karma is a vibrant, musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The film features The Big Bang Theory’s Kunal Nayyar as a modern-day Scrooge named Mr. Sood, with Eva Longoria, Billy Porter, and Boy George appearing as the Ghosts of Christmas.
For Chopra Jonas, project marks a meaningful collaboration with a longtime friend and a fellow trailblazer of the South Asian diaspora in global entertainment.
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“Gurinder Chadha has been one of the very few stalwarts in entertainment that has championed stories of the Indian diaspora globally and consistently with absolute authenticity and heart,” Chopra Jonas said. “She is a dear friend and I am so happy to support her in my little way in Christmas Karma. I hope this desi twist to a song that has long been the soundtrack of Christmas for so many of us resonates with audiences.”
Chadha, a self-professed George Michael fan, said she was “grateful to his estate for allowing us to put our own unique twist” on the beloved 1984 hit.
“When I called my mate Priyanka Chopra Jonas to sing our fun Hindi version, she kindly stepped in to support me and the film with her beautiful take on Last Christmas,” Chadha said. “I hope George will enjoy this track in heaven and all his fans around the world will sing along to the catchy Hindi vibe.”
The film’s soundtrack reflects Chadha’s signature blend of cultures, infused with gospel, bhangra, Christmas carols, and pop. Alongside Chopra Jonas, the album features performances from Gary Barlow, Billy Porter, Pixie Lott, Boy George, and legendary Punjabi singer Malkit Singh, with production by Nitin Sawhney, Panjabi MC, and others.
The first South Asian actress to win a People’s Choice Award for Quantico, Chopra Jonas continues to embody the global crossover star. Her version of “Last Christmas”—part nostalgia, part reinvention adds a new sparkle to a song that has long defined holiday playlists around the world.
With Christmas Karma, Gurinder Chadha delivers another joyful, multicultural celebration that feels perfectly timed for the season—and Priyanka Chopra Jonas ensures it comes with a dose of desi glamour and heart.
Christmas Karma releases in U.S. theaters on November 14, alongside its soundtrack album.